The Perks Of Being A Wallflower

The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This is a book I was given over the Christmas holidays and a book I couldn’t put down.

This is a coming of age story written in the form of letters from Charlie to an anonymous recipient. It has become a classic of sorts because of its tender storyline that's easy to compare to The Catcher in the Rye. Unlike the Catcher, however, this story includes themes that are perhaps deeper, less idyllic, and confronting.

Having said that, Charlie shares Holden's overwhelming sensitivity - he struggles with psychological issues and readers will find themselves quickly feeling sorry for the protagonist and worrying about him throughout his transformative journey.

The seemingly simple short letter conceal depth and insight – we learn that Charlie was molested by a family member, which has caused him to become a quiet person without a voice, letting people do what they want to him. He passively witnesses a rape, has a girlfriend he doesn't really like, takes drugs and alcohol others give him, and even lets his grieving gay friend Patrick kiss him just to make Patrick feel better. His passivity is countered by Sam’s (a girl Charlie is an unachievable goal) kindness and care. Sam encourages Charlie to form his own opinions, speak his mind, and to show passion about his desires.

This touching story end with Charlie's final letter - with feelings of hope: getting released from the hospital, forgiving his aunt Helen for what she did to him, finding new friends during sophomore year, and trying his best not to be a wallflower. Charlie hopes to get out of his head and into the real world.